Clifford’s fiery collection

Photo: Clifford Ashton

Clifford Ashton's photograph of a blaze at Woolworths Warehouse, Castleton in May 1971 that caused millions of pounds worth of damage.

The work of a renowned press photographer, who captured spectacular blazes during an illustrious career, is being celebrated in a special exhibition at the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum in Rochdale.

Rochdale-born Clifford C Ashton, who died last year aged 94, began his photography career in the 1930s and was best known for his iconic action shots taken at major fires across the North West.

His pictures regularly graced the pages of regional and national papers in the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies as he captured spectacular cotton mill blazes in Rochdale and surrounding towns.

Bob Bonner, officer-in-charge at the museum at Rochdale Fire Station, said: “Clifford was responsible for some of the most memorable fire pictures we have ever seen.

“This priceless collection of pictures is fascinating, not only for the main subject, but also the accompanying depictions of contemporary life, such as the firefighters and crowd scenes.”

The exhibition will be the main feature of the museum’s regular monthly open day and will run from 10am to 4pm on 1 March.